December 15, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News
Free tax preparation services are being offered to Duquesne residents who qualify, beginning next month, Mayor Phil Krivacek said. The service is sponsored by United Way.
A workshop to help residents prepare their taxes is slated for Jan. 16 through April 17, he said.
Beginning Jan. 10, appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 2-1-1.
Additionally, a free Duquesne tax clinic will assist residents in filing their 2017 taxes. Those with a total household income of up to $45,000 or an individual income of $25,000 are encouraged to take advantage of the service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. either Feb. 23 or March 23, Krivacek said.
Contact United Way at 2-1-1 for an appointment.
December 15, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
Mary Louise Bittner will serve as Duquesne's acting business manager.
At Wednesday's city council meeting, outgoing Mayor Phil Krivacek said Bittner will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Frank Piccolino last month.
Bittner will serve until the next administration selects someone permanent for the position, Krivacek said. Newly elected mayor Nickole Nesby takes office after the first of the year.
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November 26, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
A Duquesne woman has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for her role in a heroin trafficking ring.
Brianna Timber, 23, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer, said a spokeswoman for acting U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song.
Federal prosecutors said that Timber was recorded on federal Drug Enforcement Agency wiretaps conspiring with others to distribute heroin and launder the proceeds.
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November 15, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne City Manager Frank Piccolino announced his resignation at last week’s city council meeting.
“Thirteen and a half years ago, the city of Duquesne took a chance on a young man to guide operations for the next few years and I thoroughly embraced the opportunity,” Piccolino said. “After many years of growth and accomplishments, my time as city manager has come to an end.”
Piccolino thanked his family, staff, past and present council members, city employees, Mayor Philip Krivacek and others for their care and support over the years.
“The employees of the city of Duquesne are top of the line and I appreciate their efforts,” said Piccolino, who has taken a new job as municipal manager in Robinson Twp.
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November 14, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News, White Oak News
The countdown to Christmas has begun and Mon Valley communities --- including McKeesport, White Oak and Duquesne --- are getting ready.
Events begin Saturday (Nov. 18) with McKeesport's 53rd annual Salute to Santa Parade and White Oak's Season of Lights Celebration.
- Editor's Note: Weather permitting, our Internet radio station, WMCK.FM, will broadcast the Salute to Santa Parade beginning at 11 a.m.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line Fifth Avenue to collect candy while watching local bands, emergency vehicles, businesses, nonprofit organizations and student groups parade up the street from McKees Point Marina to City Hall.
Lineup for parade units begins at 10 a.m. at the Palisades, Fifth Avenue at Water Street, with the parade kicking off promptly at 11 a.m.
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November 12, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne officials will seek a new collector for delinquent taxes as Mayor Phil Krivacek said the city and the existing agency were finding it difficult to work together.
At last week's meeting, city council voted 4-0 to terminate an agreement with Keystone Collections Group. Krivacek recommended that council find a new agency to perform the service.
In other business: Duquesne resident Steve Vasy was hired into the public works department on a 4-0 vote. Councilman John Gyure said there are presently two vacant positions after one public works employee retired and another is out on workers compensation with an injury.
Two vacant properties were secured and four street signs in the city were replaced by the Street Department, Gyure reported.
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November 10, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
There will be no property or wage tax increases in 2018 for Duquesne residents.
At Wednesday's city council meeting, City Manager Frank Piccolino said the Act 47 oversight board will review the city's proposed budget and make any final recommendations.
Council is scheduled to adopt the budget Dec. 13.
City Solicitor Patricia McGrail asked council for a motion to advertise the 2018 earned income tax rate of 1.15 percent for residents and 1.3 percent for non-residents. Council approved the motion 4-0.
The city will borrow $450,000 on a tax-anticipation note from First Commonwealth Bank. City Manager Frank Piccolino said First Commonwealth's bid was the only one received. Council approved the bid by 4-0 vote.
The rate on the tax anticipation note has increased slightly from last year, to 2.15 percent, Piccolino said.
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October 23, 2017 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News, White Oak News
(Compiled by Cami DiBattista and Jason Togyer)
Local communities, including McKeesport, Duquesne and White Oak, have posted their Halloween activity schedules.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko invites children 12 and younger to take part in the city’s annual Halloween Parade and Party in Renziehausen Park on Saturday (Oct. 28). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Tennis Courts and the parade travels to the Jacob Woll Pavilion for an indoor party featuring seasonal crafts, storytime and hot dog lunch. This event is co-sponsored by the Carnegie Library of McKeesport.
Trick or treat hours in the city are 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
White Oak also will have trick or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
In addition, White Oak's "Truck-or-Treat" will take place on Saturday (Oct. 28) at the White Oak American Legion,, 2813 Capitol St. The event will include a parade and after party, where attendees are invited to explore a variety of service vehicles such as fire trucks, tow trucks, garbage trucks and ambulances.
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October 16, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Duquesne News, McKeesport and Region News
Above: Port Authority senior analyst Amy Silbermann and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald greet an audience Monday night at the Palisades ballroom in McKeesport. (Tube City Almanac photo)
Port Authority officials and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald came to McKeesport on Monday night to explain a "bus rapid transit" system that they said would relieve overcrowding and late buses between downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.
But what residents heard was that McKeesport, Duquesne and Homestead could soon be getting 45 percent less service from the heavily traveled 61C route --- and they don't like it.
At times, the atmosphere in the Palisades ballroom was tense, with arguments breaking out at one table between residents and Port Authority board members, and Fitzgerald exchanging sharp remarks with transit advocates in the audience.
"I chose to live in McKeesport because I saw that the bus service would be beneficial to me," said Dan Beyerlein, who said the 61C is his lifeline to doctors in Squirrel Hill and Oakland, and provides a connection to his church in Wilkinsburg.
Eliminating 45 percent of the 61C's daily runs to McKeesport, Beyerlein said, would make him unable to get his connecting buses. "Then I'm late to my doctor's appointments and there's nothing I can do about it," he said.
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October 13, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne has added a new police officer.
During Wednesday's city council meeting, Mayor Phillip Krivacek reported that Thomas Cranmer was hired Sept. 15 at the recommendation of police Chief Richard Adams.
“Our great department now has 12 officers, which is the highest we have had in some time,” Krivacek said.
In other business:
- Councilwoman June Wilson announced that water rates will be increasing 1.8 percent next year. The rate increase was imposed by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, which supplies Duquesne's water.
- Councilman Timothy Caldwell announced that the city has acquired a house at 32 S. Sixth St. in lieu of back taxes following a 10-year court case.
He recommended council survey the property and obtain quotes for demolishing it.
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